What's the Deal with Hugs Anyway?

According to Wikipedia, this is the definition of a hug. "A hug is a form of physical intimacy, universal in human communities, in which two or more people put their arms around the neck, back, or waist of one another and hold each other closely. If more than two persons are involved, this is informally referred to as a group hug."

Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication that allows the other person to know beyond a doubt that they matter.

The root meaning of the word hug is unknown, but two beliefs exist. The first is that the verb "hug", might be associated with the Old Norse word "hugga", which meant to comfort. The second is that the word is linked to the German word "hegen", which means to cherish.

Regardless of the origins mentioned above, hugging has been confirmed over the years to have an array of physical and mental health benefits. Study after study has shown that hugs reduce blood pressure and increase levels of oxytocin. Could a hug a day keep the doctor away? – you bet your apples it can.

Throughout this book, you will find wonderful, heart-warming hug stories to help enlighten your day and to reinforce the value of a hug. Sometimes in life, you just need a HUG. No words, no advice, just a hug to make you feel better. I challenge each of you (and myself) to use your personal empowerment to make a positive difference in life and to become a HUGGER!

Research shows that hugging is extremely effective at curing disease, sickness, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and stress, etc.

"Don't count the days, make the days count." ~Muhammad Ali

A Train Ride to Happiness

In April of 1987, I hopped on a train in East Africa bound for Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania. I had been given a sleeping cabin with two other women and three small children. It was hot, humid, and overcrowded, but as Bob Barker would say, "the price was right".

It had only been a few days since I said goodbye to Wayne, my lover and traveling companion. Wayne was a New Zealander and I was a Canadian whose traveling itineraries crossed paths in Turkey. We became inseparable for the next eight months traveling throughout Europe, and with plans to explore Africa together.

In Nairobi, Wayne was hospitalized with malaria. The illness and the condition of the hospital were daunting him, and he wanted to leave Africa early. To this day, I don't know why I said: "No" when he asked me to accompany him back to New Zealand. Perhaps it was the fear of commitment or a belief that I didn't deserve his love. Either way, I found myself traveling solo once again.

Not long into the ride, the train unexpectedly slowed down and came to a complete stop. I would have asked my cabin mates if they knew what was going on, but my knowledge of the Swahili language was very limited. I simply stared out the window guessing as to what could possibly be wrong.

We soon realized that something was wrong. Slowly dozens of passengers wondered off the train in the hot, dry desert. Exhausted and feeling nauseous, I only made it as far as the landing steps and slumped down on the top stair.

As I starred off into the empty abyss, my whole being was suddenly consumed with an overwhelming feeling of regret, sadness, and emptiness. I realized right then that I had never felt such a high-degree of loneliness combined with self-pity in my entire life. I was paralyzed with grief and a longing to be back with my dear Wayne.

Then a miracle happened. Two young African children approached me. Their dark, curious eyes gazed at my pale skin and their little hands reached out to touch my bare arms. They stroked my skin with such care and gentleness that I responded with a hug. As I held these desert angels in my arms, I felt my spirit restored. Joy and relief filled my being once again and I didn't feel alone anymore.

Trudi d'Ambrumenil Sunshine Coast of British Columbia

"The only journey is the journey within." ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Random Hugs of Kindness

I come from a very huggy family. Years ago, I was at the check-out line at our local grocery store and the woman behind me was fumbling with her items. I helped her put some things on the conveyor belt and she thanked me and then apologized. She said, "I guess I'm not myself today. My mother died." I told her there was no need to apologize and I replied. "I'm so sorry for your loss." And I hugged her. I felt her take a deep breath and relax into my arms. The whole thing didn't last very long, but I know she left a little lighter.

More recently, I attended a Jerry Stocking Seminar. He sent us on a scavenger hunt. There were a lot of things on the list (get on the radio or TV, buy a pair of shoes for under $5 and get a discount and find someone to give them to, get a free lunch somewhere, go to a senior citizen's center and sing a song, etc., all while staying in contact with a partner). On the list was also to give a hug to a man and a woman you didn't know.

We started off by checking our items off the list, but eventually we were just hugging everyone! The first was an undertaker at a funeral home. Everyone was very...